Day 6: Linda & Steve

My Aunt Linda is my mother's youngest sister.
She has been married to my uncle Steve for over thirty years, have two grown sons, and one grand daughter. For as long as I can remember they have lived in Minnesota- because Steve's family was from there. They met each other while working in Chicago- after they married they moved to Minnesota so Steve could work for his dad's businesses.

Throughout the years they made frequent trips to Chicago to visit family, on the other hand I had only been to Minnesota a few times. Actually the last time I had been there I was twenty five years old, and it was for a short stop over visit on the way home from a business trip.

Life got busy for me- my career, marriage, moves, children and I seldom saw them again- minus funerals and weddings. Yet, the summer of 2007 they encouraged me to visit them. My four children and I were all in Chicago during our annual visit, my husband was still back in Savannah working. My mother assured me she would be more than glad to keep my four children safe and sound while I took the trip.

It wasn't easy either. I am sort of a Nervous Nelly- and mother hen that's always close by her little chicks. But I felt it was time for me to reclaim a little of my own Independence as well as giving them some also. Time for all of us to spread our wings- to have an adventure. Besides, my youngest was seven years old- and they would be left in the good and loving hands of their grandmother who only gets to see them once a year.

So off I went on my Minnesota trip to visit Linda and Steve at their new lake home (which their eldest son Paul, who owns his own construction company, built). After my nerves settled down from worry about leaving my children behind in Chicago- I soon got adjusted to the little solo mini vacation I was on.

For the first time in years- I did not tuck anyone in bed. It was just me. I have to admit it felt a little like something was missing. The kids. This was the part that I had to let go and let God- trust that they would be alright because I left them, in capable hands. Trust that we would all be reunited upon my return. Trust. I sent out positive vibes (not knowing at the time I was using the law of attraction) that they were safe and having fun. And as it turned out they were.

I called my children frequently and they were having such a grand time- having huge non stop sleepovers with cousins. I believe at one given time my mom had nine grandchildren overnight at once! Half the time I called they were too busy in their freedom and play to say more that hi and "bye- see you soon mom."

So, I began to relax- to soak in the calm and serenity of the gorgeous lake- the majestic redwood trees- the fresh Minnesota air. The week was spent cozily wrapped in wonderful activities- water skiing, canoeing, tubing, taking walks, reading, eating- visiting. My Uncle George and his wife Ruth also came down from Owatonna, as well as my cousin Kathy, her husband Tim and baby son Henry- and Kathy's brother Erik - all from Minneapolis. We had a mini family reunion and it was incredible to spend time with the houseful of them.

I guess I didn't realize how much I missed everyone until we were all together laughing and talking. It's a shame that we all live so far apart- but I am thankful for the glorious week I was tucked away in Brained Minnesota with some terrific relatives. And that I realized that a little independence is good for the soul for everyone. Mom away from children, children from mothers.